Inspirational Power Hour: Recent Episodes
Chandra Wise
The Inspirational Power Hour is a weekly show that showcases the best in Gospel music and highlights Gospel Artists each week. Occassionally, we will highlight relevant topics and provide information helpful to everyday life. Hosted by Chandra Wise.
Dr. Emorja Roberson is a conductor, vocalist, and composer whose work bridges classical, gospel, jazz, and hip-hop traditions. A graduate of the University of North Florida, he earned both his Master of Sacred Music and Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Notre Dame, becoming the first African American to receive each degree in his respective programs. In 2022, he premiered his groundbreaking oratorio BE-SPOKEN, a powerful exploration of the Black experience featuring artists including Ledisi. A recipient of the Future of Music Faculty Fellowship with the Cleveland Institute of Music, Dr. Roberson now serves as Assistant Professor of Music and African American Studies at Oxford College of Emory University.
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Emorja Roberson, conductor, composer, and scholar, to explore the rich and complex history of Gospel music. Dr. Roberson unpacks how Gospel has shaped, and continues to shape, American music and culture. 🎶
Check out my full conversation with producer, DeVon Franklin, about the new film, Relationship Goals, based on the NYT Best Selling book by the same title written by Pastor Mike Todd. RELATIONSHIP GOALS, starring Kelly Rowland & Method Man and produced by DeVon Franklin, is available now on Prime Video. #DeVonFranklin #RelationshipGoals #KellyRowland
Check out my full conversation with Pastor Mike Todd about the new film, Relationship Goals, based on his NYT Best Selling book by the same title. RELATIONSHIP GOALS, starring Kelly Rowland & Method Man and produced by DeVon Franklin, is available now on Prime Video.
In this episode, we go behind the scenes of the inspiring new film Sarah’s Oil — the true story of 11-year-old Sarah Rector, whose determination to prove her land contained oil made her one of the wealthiest Black women in America. Producer Derrick Williams shares how this powerful story came to life, followed by heartfelt reflections from Naya Desir-Johnson (Sarah Rector) and Sonequa Martin-Green (Rose Rector). Discover the faith, family, and courage that fuel this unforgettable film — opening everywhere November 7.
Gospel legend, Elbernita "Twinkie" Clark, talks about her live recording that happened in Jackson, MS, on October 12, 2025. She discusses composing over 350 songs, the lasting impact of the Clark family, and the foundation that started it all.
This episode was recorded prior to the live recording.
Writer, director, David E. Talbert opens up about the 22 year making of new Netflix release, Jingle Jangle. David is a lauded American playwright, writer, and director with successful releases such as First Sunday, Baggage Claim, and Almost Christmas.
A musical adventure and a visual spectacle for the ages, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is a wholly fresh and spirited family holiday event. Set in the gloriously vibrant town of Cobbleton, the film follows legendary toymaker Jeronicus Jangle (Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker) whose fanciful inventions burst with whimsy and wonder. But when his trusted apprentice (Emmy winner Keegan-Michael Key) steals his most prized creation, it’s up to his equally bright and inventive granddaughter (newcomer Madalen Mills) — and a long-forgotten invention — to heal old wounds and reawaken the magic within.
Gospel recording artist, Brian Courtney Wilson opens up about his fifth album release, STILL. Wilson is a multiple Stellar Award-winner, a GMA Dove Award-winner, ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Award winner. Wilson has received nominations for several Grammy® Awards, an NAACP Image Award, and a Billboard Music Award. Since his debut release (2009's Just Love), Wilson has delivered some of the most beloved songs of the past decade and has established himself as one of our time's premier male inspirational voices. Check out this candid conversation about the inspiration behind his latest release.
Dominique "DOE" Jones started her musical career with her family, the GRAMMY and Stellar Award nominated family group, Forever Jones as the voice of their hit song, "He Wants It All". Now as a solo artist recording artist DOE talks about her new music, new label, and creating her unique musical fingerprint. Her latest single, "Brighter", is available everywhere now.
Gospel recording artist, Jonathan McReynolds, talks about his latest album, People, and what sets this body of work apart from his previous releases. He also talks about how some of Gospel music's biggest events adjusted through the 2020 global COVID pandemic.
Gospel recording artist, Kelontae' Gavin, talks about his start from a viral video in his school cafeteria to a rising career in Gospel music. He also shares the inspiration behind his latest single, Hold Me Close.
Grammy award-winning artist, PJ Morton talks about releasing his first Gospel album. The son of the legendary, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr., who is also a multi-award winning Gospel artist, PJ has blazed his own path in R & B music establishing himself as one of the industry's most sought after writers, producers, & artists.
New artist, Keyla Richardson, talks about her rising career in Gospel Music and her new single.
Gospel artist and songwriter Darius Paulk talks about his latest single, On and On. He also talks about having written for some of Gospel music's legendary artists.
Gospel recording artist, Airri Cole talks about his latest single, We Believe, and staying ministry focused during COVID-19.
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Award winning Gospel recording artist, James Fortune, talks about his latest release, Dream Again Live From Rock City. He shares about staying true to his calling and his sixteen years in the industry.
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Jana Haynes, writer, director, and producer of Selma, The Musical: The Untold Stories, talks about her team's latest venture, ICTV. Set to launch in September, ICTV will be a streaming platform of content from a new generation of creatives. Jana talks about the struggle to find a platform and ultimately creating her own.
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Twitter: @ChandraWise
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Winner of BET's Sunday Best, Season 7, Geoffrey Golden talks about his latest single, Jesus. He also shares words of wisdom and encouragement during tough time.
Hip Hop artist, Dear Silas, talks about creatives and how they use their voice against social injustice.
Corey Wiggins, Executive Director for the State of Mississippi NAACP discusses current state of the organization and the need for citizens to continue to be involved.
Co-Founder and Director of the Cure Sickle Cell Foundation, Dee Bookert-Nixon talks about World Sickle Cell Day, education, advocacy and never ending fight for a cure.
GRAMMY awards winning producer and artist, Myron Butler talks about his latest album, My Tribute, a tribute album to gospel legend, Andraé Crouch. Myron talks about recreating many of Crouch's well know hits, collaborating some of gospel industry's most talented artists. My Tribute is available everywhere now.
Timothy White and Calvert White from BLM SIP (Black Lives Matter - Mississippi) discuss igniting the movement in Mississippi and organizing the largest, peaceful protest in Jackson, Mississippi since the Civil Rights Movement.
Pam Junior, director of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Museum of Mississippi History discusses the significance of Juneteenth in 2020. Recording artist Ted Winn talks about racial injustice and the role of the Black church today and how the church can continue its legacy in the movement.
Family Therapist, Rhonda Davis talks all things Mental Health and dealing with COVID-19. Rhonda Davis is a singer, actress, and a licensed, practicing family therapist in Jackson, Ms.
Dr. Justin Turner talks about mental health awareness and the stigma and effect in the African American Community.
Radio personality, Tambra Cherie, talks about her book, "Surrounded By Sin, Grounded By Love: 8 Simple Keys to Becoming A Better You". This conversation was originally recorded in 2019.
Recording artist, B. Slade talks about upcoming album Out The Box 2 with the Peculiar People. B. Slade is a two-time Emmy Award Winner and three-time GRAMMY-nominated artist who has performed alongside A-listers of multiple genres. This interview was recorded on March 5, 2020. I wanted to share this conversation with my audience despite some audio difficulties at the beginning. Enjoy!
This episode is dedicated to Gospel recording artist and industry executive, Troy Sneed who passed away on Monday, April 27, 2020, due to complications of COVID-19. This episode includes excerpts of a previously recorded interview with Troy for the release of his 2012 single, All Is Well. Within this interview, the heart, hard work, and character of Troy are timelessly evident. Troy Sneed will be tremendously missed by the gospel music community. Prayers for his family, his entire team, and those who knew and loved him.
Gospel recording artist, Benita Jones talks about her new album, The Entreating, and being the standard not the exception.
Gospel Artist and Pastor, L. Spenser Smith talks about his 2020 album release entitled, Hooked and how he's maintained his signature sound. The conversation took place in January of 2020, shortly after the tragic death Kobe Bryant, his daughters, and others in an event that shocked the entire world. Bishop Smith gave profound words about dealing with tragedy. Enjoy!
Author Japonica Brown talks about her book, I Have Something To Say and her journey to self worth.
This episode features guest artist, Brandon Mitchell, founder of Brandon Mitchell and SWAP. Brandon talks with me about his new single, I Ain’t Worried, a single that speaks to the current need for encouragement. Brandon shares the origin of the new single and maneuvering a new creative direction and sound.
This episode, I talk with one of the founding members of Nashville Life, Dwan Hill.
Nashville Life is the worship ministry from Nashville Life Church out of Nashville, TN founded and Pastored by Alvin Love & CeCe (Winans) Love.
I was able to talk with Dawn via Zoom during this week as during the global shelter amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Dwan talks about the founding of the group and how they continue to engage a growing demographics of younger generations and how tap into and create their vintage sound.
Stellar Nominated Gospel recording artist, Charles Butler talks with me about his latest single, By My Spirit. He also shares intimate details of his significant health journey and losing over 200 pounds.
During this episode, I talk with Christina Bell, gospel singer and star of the Lifetime Biopic about the legendary Clark Sisters. Christina shares about her debut acting experience on the groundbreaking film slated to air on Saturday, April 11.
The Inspirational Power Hour is a weekly podcast hosted by Chandra Wise that celebrates Gospel music and community and create and support it. On this episode check out my special guest, Deitrick Haddon as he talks about his lates album, T.I.M.E. (Truth Is My Energy).
This week's show feature two award winning gospel artists. Casey J and VaShawn Mitchell. I have a great conversation with them about new music and how they deal with the Gospel Music Industry and serving.